Mustangs seek new head football coach

Star file photo Chugiak’s Roger Spackman is stepping down as head coach after four years leading the team.

Roger Spackman is stepping down, but he isn’t going anywhere.

After four years as the Chugiak High head football coach, Spackman resigned earlier this month — ironically, so he could focus more on coaching.

“Mostly it’s that I want to coach but not be a head coach,” said Spackman, who compiled a 25-14 record (.641 winning percentage) during his four seasons leading the blue and black — including back-to-back Railbelt Conference titles the past two seasons.

Being a head coach requires lots of administrative tasks that have little to do with X’s and O’s. Chugiak principal Megan Hatswell — whose husband, Keaton Homer, is a Chugiak assistant — said she understood Spackman’s decision.

“I think it’s exciting for Roger,” she said. “Head coaching is difficult at beat, and to have a family life or life outside of the coaching realm is very difficult.”

Hatswell said the position will remain open until it’s filled. Qualifications include completion of Alaska School Activities Association coaching certification, First Aid and CPR certification, previous successful coaching experience, knowledge of safety procedures, understanding of rules, fundamentals and regulations; and prior bookkeeping experience is preferred.

Hatswell said a committee consisting of herself, activities principal Tim Helvey and athletic director Melinda Belde will interview prospective candidates, with the possible addition of a nonvoting representative from the booster club.

Spackman said he’s leaving the hiring process up to the district, but told the Anchorage Daily News he’d like to see offensive coordinator Ryan Landers — a Chugiak grad who teaches at Gruening Middle School — promoted to fill the role. In an interview with the Star, Spackman again indicated he’d like to see someone from the existing CHS staff get the job.

“We would like to see someone promoted from within,” he said.

Spackman will continue working at Chugiak, where he’s a P.E. and science teacher. He said he also plans to continue coaching, albeit in a less stressful role than head coach.

Hatswell said she expects to begin interviewing candidates in January.

“We’re looking for someone who’s dedicated to the program and dedicated to the community,” she said.